The term ‘military tattoo’ originally meant a military drum performance, but it has now come to mean army displays in general. It dates from around the 1600s, and was used during the Thirty Years’ War in the Low Countries. Drummers from the garrison were sent into the towns at 9:30PM each evening, in order to inform the soldiers that it was time to return to the barracks. The whole process was known as doe den tap toe, which was Dutch for “turn off the tap”. It was basically an instruction to the innkeepers that they were to stop serving beer to the soldiers and sent them home for the … [Read more...] about A History of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo
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Red Deer In The Scottish Highlands
The Red Deer, that lives on the open mountains and moorlands of Scotland, is Britain’s largest wild animal, standing 4ft high at the shoulder. Red deer meat, or Venison, is becoming increasingly popular, the demand for which is being partly met by farmed Deer. Rutting Season The wild female deer, or hind, bears one calf in early summer, for which remains with its mother for at least 2 winters before joining a group, or herd, of its own sex. The sexes live separately except during rutting season which runs from mid September to late October, when the male deer, or stags, will attempt to … [Read more...] about Red Deer In The Scottish Highlands
Loch Ness Scotland
When you look at a 3-D map of the Scottish Highlands , the first thing you notice is a long divide going south-west to north-east, from Fort William to Inverness. This is what is called the "Great Glen"(gaelic : An Gleann Mòr), a large geological fault called the Great Glen Fault, caused by the sliding between the Grampian mountains in the south, towards south-east, and the Northwest Highlands, in the north, towards north-west. The Great Glen south of Inverness is the location of the famous Loch Ness and Loch Ness Monster Legend. About Loch Ness Loch Ness is a deep loch of freshwater. It … [Read more...] about Loch Ness Scotland
Ben Nevis Scotland
Scotland's Highest Mountain, Ben Nevis Sitting majestically above Fort William stands the ‘Ben’ otherwise named Ben Nevis, the mountains name originates from the Gaelic language Beinn Nibheis that translates terrible or poisonous giving the mountain a reputation of a deadly nature. The Weather on Ben Nevis The weather can be changeable on the mountain and can differ from each passing minute, very unpredictable especially in winter; walkers and climbers have to take extreme caution when tackling Ben Nevis ensuring they have the knowledge and equipment to stay safe. The climate on the … [Read more...] about Ben Nevis Scotland
Pine Martens In Scotland
Pine Martens In Scotland are a very elusive animal and one of Scotland’s best loved creatures, so what do we know about them? The Pine Marten are about the size of a domestic cat and belongs to the weasel family, with long bodies and a dark brown fur blending into a cream coloured throat, they have fairly large eyes and protruding round ears. They are very good climbers with an excellent grip from their strong claws, with a bushed tail ideal for balancing during difficult climbs. They can jump very well from tree to tree with a very acrobatic style almost looking like they are flying. … [Read more...] about Pine Martens In Scotland
Kincraig, Loch Insh and Surrounding Villages
Kincraig set within the heart of the Scottish Highlands and situated within the Cairngorm national park, and surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes consisting of Lochs, Mountains, forest and rivers, One of these lochs and well known for its water sports activities is loch Insh a prime spot for sailing and canoeing among other water based pastimes. The Loch is a great day out that consists of a water sport centre and a great restaurant with gift shop, self catering accommodation is also located by the loch. The River Spey The River Spey also runs through this area offering … [Read more...] about Kincraig, Loch Insh and Surrounding Villages
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